Petroleum Distillates - Health & Environmental Concerns?

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Integra81

New member
As many of you are probably aware, petroleum distillates are common in many car care products. I've read about how distillates are refined to help remove serious health issues (carcinogens, toxins, etc).



meguiars.com: FAQ - I have been told that products that contain petroleum distillates are bad for my car's finish. What does Meguiar's have to say about this considering some of your products list petroleum distillates in the "Caution Statement", on



I'm still skeptical that just because they are "refined" doesn't mean that they don't still exist and pose a risk to our health and the environment. For instance, the International Chemical Safety Card on petroleum distillates makes them sound dangerous:



ICSC:NENG1379 International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) | CDC/NIOSH



Does anyone have insight into this?
 
Playing devil's advocate, everything is dangerous. A woman just died from drinking too much water in that contest.



Use things in moderation, use adequate ventilation, avoid skin contact...just like it says on the label, I'd bet.
 
Lots of natural stuff is poisonous too. They aren't harmful to the paint, but possibly are to you, something to consider if you detail professionaly, probably not something to worry about for the average autopian.
 
AWWWWWWWW Jeeeez, Edith, one more thing to worry bout since the commies gave up. Yeah right, I'll be losing sleep on this one for sure..........
 
Integra81 said:
Does anyone have insight into this?
Click to expand...

Oh, just a little, as I work in the toxics field.



Petroleum distillates is far to broad a term to work with on a serious level. It's about as sweeping as "natural" or "synthetic". You've got vaseline to benzine in that group for example.



Paints, as a generic statement, are conditioned and revitalized with petroleum distillates and many other oily hydrocarbons. Just take an oily rag to some paint and you'll see what I mean. Especially if the paint is faded and oxidized.



As far as health effects to you, car cleaning and detailing isn't very threatening. Far worse is working on the cars and getting your hands greasy and oily, and washing things in the parts washer. Yet mechanics live for years upon years.
 
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